Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, Mexico


Recharge at this all-suite, all inclusive resort that takes luxury to the next level. With a friendly staff, on-site activities, phenomenal cuisine and award-winning spa, this beachfront Leading Hotel of the World property is truly a piece of serenity. Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is also a great choice for those looking for a wellness retreat.

City Style and Living Magazine Grand Velas Pool
/ Delicious pool side fare at Selva Del Mar; The infinity pool is a great choice for sunset cocktails; K&S Media

Recharge at this all-suite, all inclusive resort that takes luxury to the next level. With a friendly staff, on-site activities, phenomenal cuisine and award-winning spa, this beachfront Leading Hotel of the World property is truly a piece of serenity. Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is also a great choice for those looking for a wellness retreat.

City Style and Living Magazine Grand Velas Frida and in room tequila
/ Pistachio cream filled inside a Piloncillo soaked poblano pepper; Grand Velas’ own tequila is offered in-suite; K&S Media
City Style and Living Magazine Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit Wellness Suite
/ The beautiful Wellness Suite; K&S Media

THE SUITE LIFE
Inside my wellness suite, I find a Lifecycle recumbent bicycle and exercise kit while in my minibar there is a complimentary selection of dried fruit, nuts and seeds, cereal bars and wellness drinks (flavoured water, coconut water and energy drinks). Though these help to balance out my indulgent side, I quickly learn that a selection of dessert for lunch at Azul and each night is obligatory (Paris brest, clafoutis and chocolate mousse, anyone?). I blame the pastry chefs. On most evenings, I climb onto my second floor private terrace and step into the jacuzzi to enjoy the view of the cerulean sea framing the Sierra Madre mountains in the distance.

City Style and Living Magazine Jacuzzi and huichol donkey at grand velas Spa
/ Relaxing on the rooftop patio in the Wellness Suite; A donkey eye promises good luck at the spa; K&S Media
City Style and Living Magazine Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit Sunset
/ Sunset at Banderas Bay; Inside the award winning spa; K&S Media

SENSE(ATIONAL)
From the minute I step onto the grounds I realize that I’ve not only arrived at a hotel but I’m also in for an experience. Check-in revolves around a cold glass of hibiscus tea, fennel infused hand towel and welcome massage and I am soon introduced to my personal concierge Luis who routinely checks in throughout my stay to schedule dinner reservations and activities at the resort and to ensure that I am well attended to each day. At the spa, each treatment begins with a hydrotherapy water ceremony that includes differing water features and temperatures that begins the relaxation process. My serenity full body massage leaves me both invigorated and relaxed.

City Style and Living Magazine The Team at Piaf Restaurant Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
/ The Team at Piaf Restaurant Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit; K&S Media
City Style and Living Magazine Chef Raul Hernandez and salmon at Piaf
/ Chef Raul Hernandez (Piaf restaurant) at a cooking lesson and Salmon with dijon sauce at Piaf

CULINARY JOURNEY
Each of the three gourmet restaurants are a culinary journey. Inspired by the Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo, the menu at Frida features a range of vibrant cuisine from around the country with a modern twist (think creamy avocado azcamolli, huitlacoche and shrimp tamal, and Mezcal infused watermelon salad) while classic French techniques are flawlessly executed in rich dishes like lobster bisque, foie gras and scottish salmon served with a creamy Dijon mustard sauce at Piaf. At newly renovated Lucca, Italian cuisine reigns with a range of exceptional pizza, and Mediterranean classics like melanzana alla Toscana. Don’t leave without ordering the house made pasta- the chitarra duck papardelle and ricotta filled tortellini both of which are divine creations. Pairings by sommelier Kritzia Barrientos Eggers are flawless including introductions to some standout wine from Mexico’s Baja peninsula.

city Style and Living Magazine sommelier Kritzia and lamb at Lucca
/ Sommelier Kritzia inside Koi Bar; Meticulous presentation at Lucca is met with incredible technique and exceptional flavours; K&S Media

HOW TO BOOK
We choose this hotel as part of an air and hotel package from award winning Sunwing.

WHAT TO DO IN AND AROUND RIVIERA NAYARIT?
There is so much to do at the resort and in the surrounding beaches that you may never want to leave Grand Velas. If you want to venture out for a day to see this sights, CSL shows you what to do in Puerto Vallarta.


This original hotel article first appeared in the Winter 2017/18 issue of City Style and Living Magazine

Don’t Forget to Follow City Style and Living on Social Channels: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest.